For generations, Atlantic City has been a place of memories, nostalgia, and unforgettable experiences. While the city is known for its casino resorts, year-round entertainment and eclectic dining, its rich history can be seen throughout the seaside destination, dating back to the 1850s.
Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall
Built in 1929 to host Atlantic City’s growing convention industry, Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall, originally Atlantic City Convention Hall, was celebrated as an architectural marvel with a 137-foot-high barrel vault ceiling and the world’s largest clear-span space at the time. Boardwalk Hall has hosted many historic moments, including the nation’s first indoor college football game, the Miss America Pageant, Army Air Forces headquarters during World War II, the 1964 Democratic National Convention, and the country’s first indoor helicopter flight. The venue was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1987.
After a three-year, $90 million renovation, Boardwalk Hall reopened in 2001 as a modern arena with seating for up to 14,770 guests. Today, it continues to host concerts, sporting events, and special celebrations. It’s also home to the world’s largest musical instruments, pipe organs.
To complement the architectural marvel, Boardwalk Hall was fitted with a one-of-a-kind organ capable of filling 5.5 million cubic feet of space with sound. The Midmer-Losh Pipe Organ, still the largest ever constructed, remains unmatched in scale and design. The Kimball Pipe Organ in the Adrian Phillips Theater is equally celebrated for its exceptional quality and acoustics. Together, these instruments highlight Atlantic City’s legacy of innovation in both engineering and musical arts.
Pro tip: Catch free weekday recitals at noon in the summer and Wednesday recitals year-round and book a Curator’s Tour for an inside look at these historic instruments!
The Atlantic City Experience, located inside Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall, offers a captivating glimpse into the city’s rich history and cultural significance. This free immersive exhibit showcases a collection of historical artifacts, highlighting key moments in Atlantic City’s past to its rise as a resort destination. A standout feature is the statue of Fannie Lou Hamer, a powerful tribute to the civil rights activist, symbolizing her impact on both the city and the nation. Visitors can explore these historical pieces while reflecting on the city’s role in shaping American history.
The most recent addition at Kennedy Plaza, the Mississippi Freedom Trail Marker honors the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party’s fight for equality during the 1964 Democratic National Convention. This marker, the only one outside Mississippi, commemorates Atlantic City’s place in the Civil Rights Movement and underscores its connection to a defining moment in American history.
The African American Heritage Museum of Southern New Jersey tells powerful stories of resilience, creativity, and community. Its permanent exhibit, Stereotypes, examines the imagery that once shaped generations, while rotating exhibits highlight extraordinary works from local African American artists. The museum not only preserves history but also gives today’s creators a platform to be seen and celebrated.
Atlantic City’s history is filled with iconic firsts and cultural milestones that shaped both the city and American history. Here are some of Atlantic City’s most memorable moments.
1870: First Boardwalk opens
1880: Saltwater taffy is created
1900: Chicken Bone Beach established
1903: The golf term “Birdie” is coined at Atlantic City Country Club
1920: Diving Horse act debuts at Steel Pier; Nucky Johnson rises in prominence
1935: Monopoly board game is created, inspired by Atlantic City streets
1950: Art Dorrington becomes the first African American professional hockey player
Atlantic City’s landmarks offer a glimpse into its past and remain must-visit sites. Explore the historic attractions that continue to captivate visitors of all ages.
Atlantic City Boardwalk: The first and longest Boardwalk in the United States and the city’s most iconic landmark.
Steel Pier: A historic amusement pier offering rides and attractions since 1898.
Absecon Lighthouse: First lit in 1857, the lighthouse is New Jersey’s tallest lighthouse, standing 171 feet tall.
The Claridge: Known as the “Skyscraper by the Sea,” this 1929 hotel welcomed icons such as Frank Sinatra, Marilyn Monroe, and Princess Grace of Monaco.
Resorts Casino Hotel: Opened in 1978 as the first legal casino outside Nevada, it remains an Atlantic City icon.
Atlantic City’s history is full of milestones and landmarks that shaped the city and the nation. From the iconic Boardwalk to historic venues and cultural sites, visitors can experience the city’s past while enjoying its vibrant present. Start planning your next getaway to Atlantic City, NJ today!
